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British Indian Ocean Territory
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British Indian Ocean Territory
Flag of British Indian Ocean Territory Coat of arms of British Indian Ocean Territory
Flag Coat of arms
Motto
"In tutela nostra Limuria" (Latin)
"Limuria is in our charge"
Anthem
God Save the Queen
Location of British Indian Ocean Territory
Capital
(and largest city) Diego Garcia
Official languages English
Government British overseas territory
- Commissioner Leigh Turner
- Administrator Tony Humphries
Created 1965
Area
- Total 60 km² (n/a)
23.2 sq mi
- Water (%) 0
Population
- estimate 3,500 (n/a)
- Density 58.3 /km² (n/a)
160.0 /sq mi
Currency Pound sterling1 (GBP)
Time zone (UTC+6)
- Summer (DST) (UTC+?)
Internet TLD .io
Calling code +246
1 U.S. dollar also accepted.
The British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) is an overseas territory of the United Kingdom situated in the Indian Ocean, halfway between Africa and Indonesia. The territory comprises the six atolls of the Chagos Archipelago with over 1,000 individual islands.
The largest island is Diego Garcia, the site of a joint military facility of the United Kingdom and the United States.
Contents
[hide]
* 1 History
* 2 Politics and law
* 3 Geography and communications
* 4 Economy
* 5 See also
* 6 References
* 7 External links
[edit] History
The Islands of Chagos Archipelago were discovered by Vasco da Gama in the early sixteenth century, then claimed in the eighteenth century by France as a possession of Mauritius. However, in 1810, Mauritius was captured by the United Kingdom, and France ceded the territory in the Treaty of Paris. Agricultural workers migrated to the Islands in the late nineteenth century, settling on the main island of Diego Garcia and establishing copra plantations.
In 1965, the United Kingdom split the Chagos Archipelago from Mauritius, and the islands of Aldabra, Farquhar and Desroches (Des Roches) from the Seychelles to form the British Indian Ocean Territory. The purpose was to allow the construction of military facilities for the mutual benefit of the United Kingdom and the United States. The islands were formally established as an overseas territory of the United Kingdom on November 8, 1965. On June 23, 1976, Aldabra, Farquhar and Desroches were returned to Seychelles as a result of it attaining independence. Subsequently, BIOT has consisted only of the six main island groups comprising the Chagos Archipelago.
The creation of BIOT has been subject to legal controversy, as some legal opinions from international law experts[citation needed] say that the decision to separate the BIOT from Mauritius was illegal because international law does not allow the dismembering of a country before independence. However the decision was taken with the full agreement of the Mauritius Council of Ministers.
In 1966, the British Government purchased the privately owned copra plantations, and closed them down, and removed the entire population (known as the Chagossians, or Ilois) of Diego Garcia to Mauritius. In 1971, the United Kingdom and the United States signed a treaty, leasing the island of Diego Garcia to the American military for the purposes of building a large air and naval base on the Island. The deal was important to the United Kingdom, as the United States agreed to give them a substantial discount on the purchase of Polaris nuclear missiles in return for the lease[citation needed]. The strategic location of the Island was also significant at the centre of the Indian Ocean, and to counter any Soviet threat in the region.
View of Diego Garcia, showing military base.
View of Diego Garcia, showing military base.
Work on the military base commenced in 1971, with a large airbase with several long range runways constructed, as well as a harbour suitable for large naval vessels. Although classed as a joint UK/US base, in practice it is mainly staffed by the American military, although a British garrison is maintained at all times, and Royal Air Force long range patrol aircraft are deployed there. The United States Air Force used the base during the 1991 Gulf War and the 2001 war in Afghanistan, as well as the 2003 Iraq War.
During the 1980s, the Mauritian Government asserted a claim to sovereignty for the territory, citing the 1965 separation as illegal under international law, despite their apparent agreement at the time. The Seychelles also launched a sovereignty claim on several of the Islands.
The Ilois, who now reside in Mauritius and the Seychelles have continually asserted their right to return to Diego Garcia, winning an important legal victory in the English High Court of Justice in 2000. This judgment was not appealed by the British Government, who subsequently, however, attempted to reverse the effect of the judgment by a new Order-in-Council in June 2004.
On 11 May 2006 the High Court ruled that the Order-in-Council was unlawful, and consequently that the Ilois were entitled to return to the Chagos Archipelago.[1][2] On 23 May 2007, this was confirmed by the Court of Appeal, who refused permission to appeal to the House of Lords. It is not yet known if the Government will seek permission to appeal directly from the House of Lords.[3]
The Ilois were granted the right to visit Diego Garcia on April 3, 2006 for humanitarian purposes, including the tending of the graves of their ancestors.[4]
[edit] Politics and law
BIOT prior to Seychelles independence in 1976. (Desroches is not shown, but is a part of the Amirante Islands).
BIOT prior to Seychelles independence in 1976. (Desroches is not shown, but is a part of the Amirante Islands).
Main article: Government of British Indian Ocean Territory
As a territory of the United Kingdom, the head of state is Queen Elizabeth II. There is no Governor appointed to represent the Queen on the territory, as there are no native inhabitants. The head of government is the Commissioner, currently Leigh Turner (since July 2006, replacing Tony Crombie) and Administrator Tony Humphries (since February 2005, replacing Charles A. Hamilton), all of whom reside in the UK.
The laws of the territory are based on the constitution, set out in the British Indian Ocean Territory (Constitution) Order 2004. Applicable treaties between the United Kingdom and the United States govern the use of the military base. The United States is required to ask permission of the United Kingdom to use the base for offensive military action.
The UK has an agreement with Mauritius to return the territory in the event that they are no longer required for defence purposes.
[edit] Geography and communications
Map of the British Indian Ocean Territory since 1976
Map of the British Indian Ocean Territory since 1976
Main article: Geography of British Indian Ocean Territory
The territory is an archipelago of 2,300 islands, the largest being Diego Garcia. The total area of the territory is 60 km². The terrain is flat and low, with a typical elevation of 4 metres. The climate is tropical marine; hot, humid, moderated by trade winds.
With the exception of one four-lane motorway, the only one of its kind in the South Indian Ocean, most of the islands in the territory have no roads of any sort. Diego Garcia has a short stretch of paved road between the port and airfield; otherwise most transport is by bicycle.
Diego Garcia's military base is home to the territory's only airport (one paved runway over 3000 metres long) and only major port.
[edit] Economy
All economic activity is concentrated on Diego Garcia, where joint UK-US defense facilities are located. Approximately 2,000 native inhabitants, known as the Chagosians or Ilois, were removed to Mauritius before construction of UK-US military facilities; in 1995, there were approximately 1700 UK and US military personnel and 1500 civilian contractors living on the island. Construction projects and various services needed to support the military installations are done by military and contract employees from the UK, Mauritius, the Philippines, and the US. There are no industrial or agricultural activities on the islands. The licensing of commercial fishing provides an annual income of about one million dollars for the Territory.[5] Separate telephone facilities for military and public needs are available, providing all standard commercial telephone services, including connection to the Internet. International telephone service is carried by satellite. The Territory has three radio broadcast stations, one AM and two FM, and one television broadcast station. Its Internet country code (top-level domain) is .io.
Postage stamps have been issued for British Indian Ocean Territory since 17 January 1968.
[edit] See also
* Chagos Archipelago
* Indian Ocean states
[edit] References
1. ^ [1]
2. ^ [2]
3. ^ [3]
4. ^ [4]
5. ^ [5]
[edit] External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to:
British Indian Ocean Territory
Look up British Indian Ocean Territory in
Wiktionary, the free dictionary.
* Diego Garcia Online: Information for the Diego Garcia, BIOT population.
* UK Foreign Office- profile
* CIA World Factbook Entry
* Diego Garcia timeline posted at the History Commons
* US Military Site on Diego Garcia
* A Return from Exile in Sight? The Chagossians and their Struggle, from the Northwestern Journal of International Human Rights
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Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Bangladesh
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• Ten things you didn't know about Wikipedia •
Bangladesh
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
গণপ্রজাতন্ত্রী বাংলাদেশ
Gônoprojatontri Bangladesh
People's Republic of Bangladesh
Flag of Bangladesh Coat of arms of Bangladesh
Flag Coat of arms
Motto
None
Anthem
Amar Shonar Bangla
My Golden Bengal
Location of Bangladesh
Capital
(and largest city) Dhaka
[show location on an interactive map] 23°42′N, 90°22′E
Official languages Bengali (Bangla)
Government Parliamentary republic
- President Iajuddin Ahmed
- Prime Minister vacant
- Chief Adviser (Interim Caretaker Government)
Fakhruddin Ahmed
Independence from Pakistan
- Declared March 26, 1971
- Victory Day December 16 1971
Area
- Total 144,000 km² (94th)
55,599 sq mi
- Water (%) 7.0
Population
- 2007 estimate 150,448,340[1] (7th)
- 2001 census 129,247,2331
- Density 1045 /km² (11th)
2706 /sq mi
GDP (PPP) 2006 estimate
- Total $330.8 billion (31st)
- Per capita $2200 (138st)
Gini? (2000) 31.8 (medium)
FSI (2007) 95.9 0.4 (Alert) (16th)
HDI (2004) 0.530 (medium) (137th)
Currency Taka (BDT)
Time zone BDT (UTC+6)
- Summer (DST) not observed (UTC+6)
Internet TLD .bd
Calling code +880
1 Adjusted population, p.4, Population Census 2001, Preliminary Report. Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (2001-08).
This article refers to the People's Republic of Bangladesh. For other uses of "Bangladesh", see Bangladesh (disambiguation)
The People's Republic of Bangladesh is a country in South Asia. It is surrounded by India on all sides except for a small border with Myanmar to the far southeast and the Bay of Bengal, part of the Indian Ocean, to the south. Together with the Indian state of West Bengal, it makes up the ethno-linguistic region of Bengal. The name Bangladesh means "Country of Bengal" and is written as বাংলাদেশ and pronounced ['baŋlad̪eʃ] (help·info) in the official Bengali language.
Bangladesh is a product of the partitioning of British India starting with the 1947 partition which made it the eastern wing of Pakistan. This pairing based on common religion (Islam) proved geographically awkward, as a distance of some 1,600 kilometres (1,000 mi) separated the two regions. Subject to political and linguistic domination as well as economic neglect, Bengalis gained their independence in 1971 under the leadership of great leader Bangubandhu Sheik Mujibur Rahamn, in a civil war with help from India at the end of the war. In spite of its liberation narrative, Bangladesh's development has since been marred by political turmoil, with fourteen different heads of government and at least four military coups.
Bangladesh is among the most highly (ranked 7th) and densely (2nd among major countries) populated countries in the world. The population is generally poor, rural and Muslim. Geographically the country straddles the fertile Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta and is subject to annual monsoon floods and cyclones. The government is a secular parliamentary democracy which has been suspended under emergency law since January 2007. Bangladesh is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, SAARC, BIMSTEC, the OIC and the D-8.
Contents
[hide]
* 1 History
* 2 Government and politics
* 3 Foreign policy and military
* 4 Divisions, districts, and upazilas
* 5 Geography and climate
* 6 Economy
* 7 Demographics
* 8 Culture
* 9 See also
* 10 References
* 11 External links
[edit] History
The Shaheed Minar, which commemorates the Language Movement, is a well known landmark in Bangladesh.
The Shaheed Minar, which commemorates the Language Movement, is a well known landmark in Bangladesh.
Main article: History of Bangladesh
See also: History of Bengal
Remnants of civilization in the greater Bengal region date back four thousand years,[2][3] when the region was settled by Dravidian, Tibeto-Burman, and Austro-Asiatic peoples. The exact origin of the word "Bangla" or "Bengal" is unknown, though it is believed to be derived from Bang, the Dravidian-speaking tribe that settled in the area around the year 1000 BCE.[4]
After the arrival of Indo-Aryans, the kingdom of Gangaridai was formed from at least the seventh century BCE, which later united with Bihar under the Magadha and Maurya Empires. Bengal was later part of the Gupta Empire from the third to the sixth centuries CE. Following its collapse, a dynamic Bengali named Shashanka founded an impressive yet short-lived kingdom. After a period of anarchy, the Buddhist Pala dynasty ruled the region for four hundred years, followed by a shorter reign of the Hindu Sena dynasty. Islam was introduced to Bengal in the twelfth century by Sufi missionaries, and subsequent Muslim conquests helped spread Islam throughout the region.[5] Bakhtiar Khilji, a Turkish general, defeated Lakshman Sen of the Sena dynasty and conquered large parts of Bengal. The region was ruled by dynasties of Sultans and feudal lords for the next few hundred years. By the sixteenth century, the Mughal Empire controlled Bengal, and Dhaka became an important provincial center of Mughal administration.
European traders arrived late in the fifteenth century, and their influence grew until the British East India Company gained control of Bengal following the Battle of Plassey in 1757.[6] The bloody rebellion of 1857, known as the Sepoy Mutiny, resulted in transfer of authority to the crown, with a British viceroy running the administration.[7] During colonial rule, famine racked the Indian subcontinent many times, including the Great Bengal famine of 1943 that claimed 3 million lives.[8]
Between 1905 and 1911, an abortive attempt was made to divide the province of Bengal into two zones, with Dhaka being the capital of the eastern zone.[9] When India was partitioned in 1947, Bengal was partitioned along religious lines, with the western part going to India and the eastern part joining Pakistan as a province called East Bengal (later renamed East Pakistan), with its capital at Dhaka.[10]
In 1950, land reform was accomplished in East Bengal with the abolishment of the feudal zamindari system[11] However, despite the economic and demographic weight of the east, Pakistan's government and military were largely dominated by the upper classes from the west. The Bengali Language Movement of 1952 was the first sign of friction between the two wings of Pakistan.[12] Dissatisfaction with the central government over economic and cultural issues continued to rise through the next decade, during which the Awami League emerged as the political voice of the Bengali-speaking population. It agitated for autonomy in the 1960s, and in 1966, its president Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was jailed; he was released in 1969 after an unprecedented popular uprising.
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, founder of Bangladesh.
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, founder of Bangladesh.
In 1970, a massive cyclone devastated the coast of East Pakistan, and the central government responded poorly. The Bengali population's anger was compounded when Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, whose Awami League won a majority in Parliament in the 1970 elections,[13] was blocked from taking office. After staging compromise talks with Mujib, President Yahya Khan arrested him on the night of March 25, 1971, and launched Operation Searchlight,[14] a sustained military assault on East Pakistan. Yahya's methods were extremely bloody, and the violence of the war resulted in many civilian deaths.[15] Chief targets included intellectuals and Hindus, and about ten million refugees fled to neighbouring India (LaPorte,[16] p. 103). Estimates of those massacred range from three hundred thousand to 3 million.[17][18]
Most of the Awami League leaders fled and set up a government-in-exile in Calcutta, India. The Bangladesh Liberation War lasted for nine months. The guerrilla Mukti Bahini and Bengali regulars eventually received support from the Indian Armed Forces in December 1971. Under the command of Lt. General J.S. Arora, the Indian Army achieved a decisive victory over Pakistan on 16 December,1971, taking over 90,000 prisoners of war[19] in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.
After its independence, Bangladesh became a parliamentary democracy, with Mujib as the Prime Minister. In the 1973 parliamentary elections, the Awami League gained an absolute majority. A nationwide famine occurred during 1973 and 1974,[8] and in early 1975, Mujib initiated a one-party socialist rule with his newly formed BAKSAL. On August 15, 1975, Mujib and his family were assassinated by mid-level military officers.[20]
A series of bloody coups and counter-coups in the following three months culminated in the ascent to power of General Ziaur Rahman, who reinstated multi-party politics and founded the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Zia's rule ended when he was assassinated in 1981 by elements of the military.[20] Bangladesh's next major ruler was General Hossain Mohammad Ershad, who gained power in a bloodless coup in 1982 and ruled until 1990, when he was forced to resign under western donor pressure in a major shift in international policy after the end of communism when anti-communist dictators were no longer felt necessary. Since then, Bangladesh has reverted to a parliamentary democracy. Zia's widow, Khaleda Zia, led the Bangladesh Nationalist Party to parliamentary victory at the general election in 1991 and became the first female Prime Minister in Bangladesh's history. However, the Awami League, headed by Sheikh Hasina, one of Mujib's surviving daughters, clinched power at the next election in 1996 but lost to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party again in 2001. Bangladesh enjoys the distinction of having two female politicians leading national politics.
In January of 2007, following widespread violence, a caretaker government was appointed to administer the next general election. The country had suffered from extensive corruption,[21] disorder and political violence. The new caretaker government has made it a priority to root out corruption from all levels of government. To this end, many notable politicians and officials, along with large numbers of lesser officials and party members, have been arrested on corruption charges. The caretaker government claims to be paving the way for free and fair elections to be held before the end of 2008.
[edit] Government and politics
Main article: Politics of Bangladesh
National symbols of Bangladesh Anthem Amar Shonar Bangla
Animal Bengal Tiger
Bird Oriental Magpie Robin
Fish Hilsa
Flower White Water Lily
Fruit Jackfruit
Sport Kabadi
Calendar Bengali calendar
Jatiyo Sangshad Bhaban houses the Parliament of Bangladesh.
Jatiyo Sangshad Bhaban houses the Parliament of Bangladesh.
Bangladesh is a secular parliamentary democracy. Direct elections involving all citizens over the age 18 are held every five years for the unicameral parliament. The parliament is known as the Jatiyo Sangshad designed by architect Louis Kahn and currently has 300 seats, elected from single-member constituencies. The Prime Minister, as the head of government, forms the cabinet and runs the day-to-day affairs of state. While the Prime Minister is formally appointed by the President, he or she must be an MP who commands the confidence of the majority of parliament. The President is the head of state, a largely ceremonial post elected by the parliament.[22]
However the President's powers are substantially expanded during the tenure of a caretaker government, which is responsible for the conduct of elections and transfer of power. The officers of the caretaker government must be non-partisan and are given three months to complete their task. This transitional arrangement is an innovation that was pioneered by Bangladesh in its 1991 election and then institutionalized in 1996 through its 13th constitutional amendment.[23]
The Constitution of Bangladesh was written in 1972 and has undergone fourteen amendments.[23] The highest judiciary body is the Supreme Court, whose members are appointed by the President. The judicial and law enforcement institutions are weak.[24] Laws are loosely based on English common law, but family laws such as marriage and inheritance are based on religious scripts, and hence differ from one religious community to another.
The two major parties in Bangladesh are the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Bangladesh Awami League. BNP is lead by Khaleda Zia and finds its allies among Islamist parties like Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh and Islami Oikya Jot, while Sheikh Hasina's Awami League aligns with leftist and secularist parties. Hasina and Zia are bitter rivals who have dominated politics for 15 years; both are women and each is related to one of the leaders of the independence movement. Another important player is the Jatiya Party, headed by former military ruler Ershad. The Awami League-BNP rivalry has been bitter and punctuated by protests, violence and murder. Student politics is particularly strong in Bangladesh, a legacy from the liberation movement era. Almost all parties have highly active student wings, and students have been elected to the Parliament.
Two radical Islamist parties, Jagrata Muslim Janata Bangladesh (JMJB) and Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), were banned in February 2005. Bomb attacks taking place since 1999 have been blamed on those groups, and hundreds of suspected members have been detained in numerous security operations, including the head of those two parties in 2006. The first recorded case of a suicide bomb attack in Bangladesh took place in November 2005.
The 2006 election was postponed indefinitely and emergency law declared in January 2007 as the caretaker government of Fakhruddin Ahmed aims to revise the voter list and crack down on corruption. The government aims to hold new elections by 2008 but lack of coordination between Election Commission and the Government, and their recent activities have created uncertainty about Election while the two leading candidates, Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina, are facing criminal charges in court and the banned indoor politics is yet to be exercised.
[edit] Foreign policy and military
Main articles: Foreign Relations of Bangladesh and Military of Bangladesh
Bangladesh pursues a moderate foreign policy that places heavy reliance on multinational diplomacy, especially at the United Nations. In 1974 Bangladesh joined both the Commonwealth of Nations and the United Nations and has since been elected to serve two terms on the Security Council in 1978-1979 and 2000–2001. In the 1980s, Bangladesh played a lead role in founding the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) in order to expand relations with other South Asian states. Since the founding of SAARC 1985, a Bangladeshi has held the post of Secretary General on two occasions.
Bangladesh's most important and complex foreign relationships are with India and Pakistan. These relationships are informed by historical and cultural ties and form an important part of the domestic political discourse.
Bangladesh's relationship with India began on a positive note because of India's assistance in the independence war and reconstruction. Throughout the years, relations between both countries have fluctuated for a number of reasons. Bangladesh claims that India feels too comfortable in playing the role of "Big Brother" to smaller, weaker nations.[citation needed] India has voiced concerns about Indian separatists and Islamic terrorists being harbored across their 2,500 mile (4,000 km) border, as well as the flow of illegal migrants, and is building a fence along most of it.[25] But at the 2007 SAARC meeting both nations pledged to work cooperatively on security, economic and border issues.[26]
The current strength of the army is around 200,000, the air force 7,000, and navy 14,950.[27] In addition to traditional defense roles, the military has been called on to provide support to civil authorities for disaster relief and internal security during periods of political unrest. Bangladesh is not currently active in any ongoing war, but it did contribute 2,300 troops to the coalition that fought in the 1991 Gulf War and Bangladesh is consistently a top contributor to UN peacekeeping forces around the world. As of May 2007, Bangladesh had major deployments in Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Sudan, Timor-Leste and Cote d'Ivoire.[28]
Bangladesh enjoys relatively warm ties with the People's Republic of China which has, particularly in the past decade, increased economic cooperation with the South Asian nation. Between 2006-07, trade between the two nations rose by 28.5% and there have been agreements to grant various Bangladeshi commodities tarrif-free access to the Chinese market. Military cooperation between the Military of Bangladesh and the People's Liberation Army is also increasing, with joint military agreements signed and Bangladesh procuring Chinese arms which range from small arms to large naval surface combatants such as the Chinese Jiangwei Class Missile Frigate.
[edit] Divisions, districts, and upazilas
Administrative divisions of Bangladesh. This map shows the highest level unit called a Division.
Administrative divisions of Bangladesh. This map shows the highest level unit called a Division.
Dhaka
Dhaka
Chittagong
Chittagong
Main articles: Divisions of Bangladesh, Districts of Bangladesh, and Upazilas of Bangladesh
Bangladesh is divided into six administrative divisions,[1] each named after their respective divisional headquarters: Barisal (বরিশাল), Chittagong (চট্টগ্রাম), Dhaka (ঢাকা), Khulna (খুলনা), Rajshahi (রাজশাহী), and Sylhet (সিলেট).
Divisions are subdivided into districts (zila). There are 64 districts in Bangladesh, each further subdivided into upazila (subdistricts) or thana ("police stations"). The area within each police station, except for those in metropolitan areas, is divided into several unions, with each union consisting of multiple villages. In the metropolitan areas, police stations are divided into wards, which are further divided into mahallas. There are no elected officials at the divisional, district or upazila levels, and the administration is composed only of government officials. Direct elections are held for each union (or ward), electing a chairperson and a number of members. In 1997, a parliamentary act was passed to reserve three seats (out of twelve) in every union for female candidates.[29]
Dhaka is the capital and largest city of Bangladesh. Other major cities include Chittagong, Khulna, Rajshahi, Barisal and Sylhet. These metropolitan cities have mayoral elections, while other municipalities elect a chairperson. Mayors and chairpersons are elected for a span of five years.
City ↓ City population[30] ↓ Metro population[30] ↓
Dhaka 6,969,458 11,918,442
Chittagong 3,920,222 3,920,222
Khulna 1,400,689 1,400,689
Rajshahi 727,083 727,083
Sylhet 339,368 339,368
Barisal 291,769 291,769
Other areas:
City ↓ Administrative division ↓ Population[30] ↓
Naogaon Rajshahi 150,000(approx.)
Comilla Chittagong 419,623
Tungi Dhaka 368,914
Gopalganj Dhaka 100,000(approx.)
Tungipara Dhaka 50,000(approx.)
Mymensingh Dhaka 336,960
Rangpur Rajshahi 295,999
Narshingdi Dhaka 292,838
Bogra Rajshahi 284,003
Jessore Khulna 250,065
[edit] Geography and climate
Satellite image presenting physical features of Bangladesh.
Satellite image presenting physical features of Bangladesh.
Main article: Geography of Bangladesh
Bangladesh is located in the low-lying Ganges-Brahmaputra River Delta or Ganges Delta. This delta is formed by the confluence of the Ganges (local name Padma or Pôdda), Brahmaputra (Jamuna or Jomuna), and Meghna rivers and their respective tributaries. The Ganges unites with the Jamuna (main channel of the Brahmaputra) and later joins the Meghna to eventually empty into the Bay of Bengal. The alluvial soil deposited by these rivers has created some of the most fertile plains in the world. Bangladesh has 58 trans-boundary rivers, making water issues politically complicated to resolve - in most cases as the lower riparian state to India.[31]
* Geological Location of Bangladesh [32] (file info) — [Play media] Watch in browser
o Satellite photographs (from Terra-MODIS) and computer-generated models help visualize Bangladesh's place in the world. Located in South Asia, it is virtually surrounded by India and the Bay of Bengal to the south. But in many ways, the country's fate is dominated by the world's highest mountain range looming to the north-the Himalayas.
* Problems seeing the videos? See media help.
Most parts of Bangladesh are less than 12 metres (39 ft) above the sea level, and it is believed that about 10% of the land would be flooded if the sea level were to rise by 1 metre (3 ft).[33]
The highest point in Bangladesh is in Mowdok range at 1,052 metres (3,451 ft) in the Chittagong Hill Tracts to the southeast of the country.[34] A major part of the coastline comprises a marshy jungle, the Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world and home to diverse flora and fauna, including the Royal Bengal Tiger. In 1997, this region was declared endangered.[35]
Straddling the Tropic of Cancer, Bangladeshi climate is tropical with a mild winter from October to March, a hot, humid summer from March to June. A warm and humid monsoon season lasts from June to October and supplies most of the country's rainfall. Natural calamities, such as floods, tropical cyclones, tornadoes, and tidal bores occur almost every year, combined with the effects of deforestation, soil degradation and erosion. Cox's Bazar, south of the city of Chittagong, has a beach that stretches uninterrupted over 120 kilometres (75 mi).
In September 1998 Bangladesh saw the most severe flooding the modern world has seen. Although only 1,000 people were killed, 30 million were made homeless and 130,000 cattle were killed, 50 square kilometres of land were destroyed and 11,000 km of roads were damaged of destroyed. 66% of the country was underwater. There were several reasons for the severity of the flooding. Firstly, there were unusually high monsoon rains. Secondly, the Himalayas shed off an equally unusually high amount of melt water that year. Lastly, trees that usually intercept rain water were cut down for fire wood or to make space for animals.[citation needed]
[edit] Economy
Main article: Economy of Bangladesh
Fishermen near the town of Cox's Bazaar in southern Bangladesh. Many industries in Bangladesh are still primitive by modern standards.
Fishermen near the town of Cox's Bazaar in southern Bangladesh. Many industries in Bangladesh are still primitive by modern standards.
Despite sustained domestic and international efforts to improve economic and demographic prospects, Bangladesh remains a developing nation, in part due to its large population.[36] Its per capita income in 2006 was US$2300 compared to the world average of $10,200.[1] Yet, as the World Bank notes in its July 2005 Country Brief, the country has made significant progress in human development in the areas of literacy, gender parity in schooling, and reduction of population growth.[37]
Jute was once the economic engine of the country. Its share of the world export market peaked in the Second World War and the late 1940s at 80%[38] and even in the early 1970s accounted for 70% of its export earnings. However, polypropylene products began to substitute for jute products worldwide and the jute industry started to decline. Bangladesh grows significant quantities of rice, tea and mustard. Although two-thirds of Bangladeshis are farmers, more than three quarters of Bangladesh’s export earnings come from the garment industry,[39] which began attracting foreign investors in the 1980s due to cheap labour and low conversion cost. In 2002, the industry exported US$5 billion worth of products.[40] The industry now employs more than 3 million workers, 90% of whom are women.[41] A large part of foreign currency earnings also comes from the remittances sent by expatriates living in other countries.
Worker in a paddy field - a common scene throughout Bangladesh. The economy of Bangladesh is often cited to be agro-based because of its dependency on agriculture.
Worker in a paddy field - a common scene throughout Bangladesh. The economy of Bangladesh is often cited to be agro-based because of its dependency on agriculture.
Obstacles to growth include frequent cyclones and floods, inefficient state-owned enterprises, mismanaged port facilities, a growth in the labour force that has outpaced jobs, inefficient use of energy resources (such as natural gas), insufficient power supplies, slow implementation of economic reforms, political infighting and corruption. According to the World Bank, "among Bangladesh’s most significant obstacles to growth are poor governance and weak public institutions."[37]
Despite these hurdles, the country has achieved an average annual growth rate of 5% since 1990, according to the World Bank. Bangladesh has seen expansion of its middle class, and its consumer industry has also grown. In December 2005, four years after its report on the emerging "BRIC" economies (Brazil, Russia, India, and China), Goldman Sachs named Bangladesh one of the "Next Eleven,"[42] along with Egypt, Indonesia, Pakistan and seven other countries. Bangladesh has seen a dramatic increase in foreign direct investment. A number of multinational corporations, including Unocal Corporation and Tata, have made major investments, with the natural gas sector being a priority. In December 2005, the Central Bank of Bangladesh projected GDP growth around 6.5%.[43]
One significant contributor to the development of the economy has been the widespread propagation of microcredit by Muhammad Yunus (awarded the Nobel peace prize in 2006) through the Grameen Bank. By the late 1990s, Grameen Bank had 2.3 million members, along with 2.5 million members of other similar organizations.[44]
In order to enhance economic growth, the government set up several export processing zones to attract foreign investment. These are managed by the Bangladesh Export Processing Zone Authority.
See also: Education in Bangladesh
[edit] Demographics
Main article: Demographics of Bangladesh
Recent (2005-2007) estimates of Bangladesh's population range from 142 to 159 million, making it the 7th most populous nation in the world. With a land area of 144,000 square kilometers (55,600 sq mi (144,000 km²), ranked 94th), the population density is remarkable. A striking comparison is offered by the fact that Russia's population is slightly smaller. Indeed Bangladesh boasts the highest population density in the world, excluding a handful of city-states. Bangladesh's population growth was among the highest in the world in the 1960s and 1970s, when the count grew from 50 to 90 million, but with the promotion of birth control in the 1980s, the growth rate slowed. The total fertility rate is now 3.1 children per woman, compared with 6.2 three decades ago. The population is relatively young, with the 0–25 age group comprising 60%, while 3% are 65 or older. Life expectancy is 63 years for both males and females.[45]
Bangladesh is ethnically homogeneous, with Bengalis comprising 98% of the population. The remainder are mostly Bihari migrants and indigenous tribal groups. There are thirteen tribal groups located in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, the most populous of the tribes are the Chakmas. The region has been a source for ethnic tension since the inception of Bangladesh.[46] The largest tribal groups outside the Hill Tracts are the Santhals and the Garos (Achiks). Human trafficking has been a lingering problem in Bangladesh[47] and illegal immigration has remained a cause of friction with Myanmar[48] and India.[49].
The main language, as in West Bengal, is Bangla (Bengali), an Indo-Aryan language of Sanskrit origin and has its own script. Bangla is the official language of Bangladesh. English is used as second language among the middle and upper classes[50] and in higher education. Since a President Order in 1987, Bangla is used for all official correspondence except those that are to foreign recipients.[50]
The two major religions practiced in Bangladesh are Islam (83%) and Hinduism (16%).[51] About 96% of the Muslims are Sunni while over 3% are Shi'a. Ethnic Biharis are predominantly Shia Muslims. Other religious groups include Buddhists, Ahmadis, Christians, and Animists. Bangladesh ranks fourth after Indonesia and Pakistan among Muslim majority nations and, as India has a higher Muslim population, Bangladesh ranks fourth in this category.
Health and education levels have recently improved as poverty levels have decreased. Nevertheless, Bangladesh remains among the poorest nations in the world. Most Bangladeshis are rural, living on subsistence farming. Nearly half of the population lives on less than 1 USD per day.[52] Health problems abound, ranging from surface water contamination, to arsenic in the groundwater,[53] and diseases including malaria, leptospirosis and dengue. The literacy rate in Bangladesh is approximately 41%.[54] There is gender disparity, though, as literacy rates are 50% among men and 31% among women, according to a 2004 UNICEF estimate.[55] Literacy has gone up due to many programs introduced in the country. Among the most successful ones are the Food for education (FFE) program introduced in 1993,[56] and a stipend program for women at the primary and secondary levels.[57]
[edit] Culture
Intricate design in a Nakshikatha, a traditional stitched quilt.
Intricate design in a Nakshikatha, a traditional stitched quilt.
Bagerhat Shat Gambuj Masjid, a sixty-dome mosque, built in the early 15th century by Khan Jahan Ali.
Bagerhat Shat Gambuj Masjid, a sixty-dome mosque, built in the early 15th century by Khan Jahan Ali.
Ruins of the ancient Buddhist monastery in Mahasthangarh, Bogra.
Ruins of the ancient Buddhist monastery in Mahasthangarh, Bogra.
Main article: Culture of Bangladesh
See also: Public holidays in Bangladesh
A new state for an old nation, Bangladesh has a culture that encompasses elements both old and new. The Bengali language boasts a rich literary heritage, which Bangladesh shares with the Indian state of West Bengal. The earliest literary text in Bangla is the eighth century Charyapada. Bangla literature in the medieval age was often either religious (e.g. Chandidas), or adaptations from other languages (e.g. Alaol). Bangla literature matured in the nineteenth century. Its greatest icons are the poets Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam. Bangladesh also has a long tradition in folk literature, evidenced by Maimansingha Gitika, Thakurmar Jhuli or stories related to Gopal Bhar.
The musical tradition of Bangladesh is lyrics-based (Baniprodhan), with minimal instrumental accompaniment. The Baul tradition is a unique heritage of Bangla folk music, and there are numerous other musical traditions in Bangladesh, which vary from one region to the other. Gombhira, Bhatiali, Bhawaiya are a few of the better-known musical forms. Folk music of Bengal is often accompanied by the ektara, an instrument with only one string. Other instruments include the dotara, dhol, flute, and tabla. Bangladesh also has an active heritage in North Indian classical music. Similarly, Bangladeshi dance forms draw from folk traditions, especially those of the tribal groups, as well as the broader Indian dance tradition. Bangladesh produces about 80 films a year.[58] Mainstream Hindi films are also quite popular, as are films from Kolkata, which has its own thriving Bengali-language movie industry. Around 200 dailies are published in Bangladesh, along with more than 1800 periodicals. However, regular readership is low, nearly about 15% of the population.[59] Bangladeshis listen to a variety of local and national radio programmes from Bangladesh Betar, as well as Bangla services from the BBC and Voice of America. There is a state-controlled television channel, but in the last few years, privately owned channels have grown considerably.
The culinary tradition of Bangladesh has close relations to Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine as well as having many unique traits. Rice and fish are traditional favourites; leading to a common saying that "fish and rice make a Bengali" (machhe bhate bangali). Bangladeshis make distinctive sweetmeats from milk products; some common ones are Rôshogolla, Chômchôm and Kalojam.
The sari (shaŗi) is by far the most widely worn dress by Bangladeshi women. However, the salwar kameez (shaloar kamiz) is also quite popular, and in urban areas some women wear Western attire. Among men, European dressing has greater acceptance. Men also use the kurta-paejama combination, often on religious occasions. The lungi, a kind of long skirt, is widely worn by Bangladesh men.
The two Eids, Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha are the largest festivals in the Islamic calendar. The day before Eid ul-Fitr is called Chãd Rat (the night of the Moon), and is often marked by firecrackers. Other Muslim holidays are also observed. Major Hindu festivals are Durga Puja and Saraswati Puja. Buddha Purnima, which marks the birth of Gautama Buddha, is one of the most important Buddhist festivals while Christmas, called Bôŗodin (Great day) in Bangla is celebrated by the minority Christian population. The most important secular festival is Pohela Baishakh or Bengali New Year, the beginning of the Bengali calendar. Other festivities include Nobanno, Poush parbon (festival of Poush) and observance of national days like Shohid Dibosh.
Cricket is one of the most popular sports in Bangladesh. In 2000, the Bangladesh cricket team was granted Test cricket status and joined the elite league of national teams permitted by the International Cricket Council to play test matches. Other popular sports include football (soccer), field hockey, tennis, badminton, handball, volleyball, chess, carom, and kabadi, a seven-a-side team-sport played without a ball or any other equipment, which is the national sport of Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Sports Control Board regulates twenty-nine different sporting federations.
[edit] See also
Topics related to Bangladesh
History
Rulers of Bengal, Magadha, Brihadratha dynasty, Pradyota dynasty, Shishunaga dynasty, Nanda Dynasty, Maurya Dynasty, Sunga Dynasty, Kanva dynasty, Gupta Dynasty, Kamboja Dynasty, Pala Dynasty, Sena Dynasty, Islamic empires in India, Delhi Sultanate, Khilji dynasty, Mughal Empire, History of Bengal, Battle of Plassey, Black Hole of Calcutta, Bengal Renaissance, Partition of Bengal, East Bengal, Indian Independence movement, Muslim League, Lahore Resolution, Direct Action Day, Partition of India, East Pakistan, Language Movement, Six point movement, Bangladesh Liberation War, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Ziaur Rahman, 1970 Cyclone, 1991 Cyclone.
Politics
Government, Constitution, Elections, Foreign Relations, Political parties, Awami League, Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Drishtipat, Rapid Action Battalion, Human rights, National Parliament , Supreme Court, Foreign Relations, President, Prime Minister, Military of Bangladesh: (Army | Navy | Air Force | Bangladesh Rifles | Infantry Regiment), Subdivisions, Districts,.
Geography
Sundarbans, Cox's Bazar , Bay of Bengal, Ganges Delta, Ganges Fan, Ganga basin, Chittagong Hill Tracts, Jat Area, Bangladesh Rivers, Bangladesh Cities, Bangladesh National Parks, Bangladesh Mountains Islands, Lakes.
Economy
Bangladeshi taka, Dhaka Stock Exchange, Chittagong Stock Exchange, Bangladesh Bank, Asia Energy PLC, Bangladesh Companies, Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development, Communications, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Port of Chittagong, Transport.
Culture
Bengali language, Literature, Cuisine, Music, Sports, Architecture, Theatre, wedding, Holidays, Bangla calendar, Pohela Baishakh, Baul, TV and radio Channels, Bangladeshi cricket team, Bangladesh national football team, Bangladeshi kabaddi team, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, List of Bangladeshis.
Symbols
Flag, Coat of arms, Nymphaeaceae, Hilsa, Amar Shonar Bangla, Jatiyo Smriti Soudho, Jatiyo Sangshad Bhaban, Shaheed Minar, Baitul Mukarram, Dhakeshwari Temple, Jamuna Bridge.
Categories Archaeological sites, Cities, Communications, Culture, Economy, Education, Geography, Government, History, Media , Military, People, Politics, Religion, Science and technology, Society, Sports, Subdivisions, Towns, Transport, Bangladesh stubs
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Historical and cultural: Commonwealth of Nations
International organisations: United Nations | SAARC | World Trade Organization | OIC | Non-Aligned Movement
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Bangladesh Portal
[edit] References
1. ^ a b c CIA World Factbook 2007
2. ^ Bharadwaj, G (2003). "The Ancient Period", in Majumdar, RC: History of Bengal. B.R. Publishing Corp.
3. ^ "4000-year old settlement unearthed in Bangladesh", Xinhua, 2006-March.
4. ^ (1989) "Early History, 1000 B.C.-A.D. 1202", in James Heitzman and Robert L. Worden: Bangladesh: A country study. Library of Congress.
5. ^ Eaton, R (1996). The Rise of Islam and the Bengal Frontier. University of California Press. ISBN 0-520-20507-3.
6. ^ Baxter, C (1997). Bangladesh, From a Nation to a State. Westview Press. ISBN 0-8133-3632-5.
7. ^ Baxter, pp.30—32
8. ^ a b Sen, Amartya (1973). Poverty and Famines. Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-828463-2.
9. ^ Baxter, pp. 39—40
10. ^ Collins, L; D Lapierre (1986). Freedom at Midnight, Ed. 18. Vikas Publishers, New Delhi. ISBN 0-7069-2770-2.
11. ^ Baxter, p. 72
12. ^ Baxter, pp. 62—63
13. ^ Baxter, pp. 78—79
14. ^ Salik, Siddiq (1978). Witness to Surrender. Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-577264-4.
15. ^ Genocide in Bangladesh, 1971. Gendercide Watch.
16. ^ LaPorte, R (1972). "Pakistan in 1971: The Disintegration of a Nation". Asian Survey 12(2): 97–108.
17. ^ White, M (November 2005). Death Tolls for the Major Wars and Atrocities of the Twentieth Century.
18. ^ The Bangladeshi holocaust. VirtualBangladesh.com. On 26th March Major Ziaur Rahman revolted against the Pakistan Army. He along with his force took control of the Kalurghat Radio Station and declared indepence on behalf of Sheikh Mujibor Rahman
19. ^ Burke, S (1973). "The Postwar Diplomacy of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971". Asian Survey 13 (11): 1036–1049.
20. ^ a b Mascarenhas, A (1986). Bangladesh: A Legacy of Blood. Hodder & Stoughton, London. ISBN 0-340-39420-X.
21. ^ Bangladesh tops most corrupt list. BBC News (2005-10-18). Retrieved on 2007-04-13.
22. ^ Background Note: Bangladesh, US Department of State, May 2007
23. ^ a b "Constitutional Amendments". Banglapedia. Asiatic Society of Bangladesh. Retrieved on 2006-07-14.
24. ^ Bangladesh Today, Asia Report N°121, International Crisis Group, 23 October 2006
25. ^ India quietly ringing Bangladesh with barbed-wire, cutting off former neighbors, by Tim Sullivan, Associated Press, June 25, 2007
26. ^ Pattanaik, Smruti S., "India-Bangladesh Relations after the Foreign Secretary Level Talks," IDSA (Institute for Defense Studies and Analyses), 17 July 2007. Retrieved 17 July 2007.
27. ^ Including service and civilian personnel. See Bangladesh Navy. Retrieved 17 July 2007.
28. ^ UN Mission's Summary detailed by Country, Monthly Summary of Contributors of Military and Civilian Police Personnel, Department of Peacekeeping Operations, United Nations, 2007-5-31
29. ^ Local Government Act, No. 20, 1997.
30. ^ a b c Bangladesh: largest cities and towns and statistics of their population. world-gazetteer.com. Retrieved on 2007-05-19.
31. ^ Trans-boundary Rivers. Banglapedia. Retrieved on 2007-07-17.
32. ^ NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, Scientific Visualization Studio (2002-04-18). Himalayas Exaggerated (version 2.2) (MPEG). Retrieved on 2007-04-30.
33. ^ Ali, A (1996). "Vulnerability of Bangladesh to climate change and sea level rise through tropical cyclones and storm surges". Water, Air, & Soil Pollution 92 (1–2): 171–179.
34. ^ Summit Elevations: Frequent Internet Errors. Retrieved 2006-04-13.
35. ^ IUCN (1997). "Sundarban wildlife sanctuaries Bangladesh". World Heritage Nomination-IUCN Technical Evaluation.
36. ^ "Reproductive Health and Rights is Fundamental for Sound Economic Development and Poverty Alleviation," United Nations Population Fund. Retrieved 17 July 2007.
37. ^ a b Bangladesh - Country Brief, World Bank, July 2005
38. ^ "Jute". Banglapedia. Asiatic Society of Bangladesh. Retrieved on 2006-07-14.
39. ^ Roland, B. "Bangladesh Garments Aim to Compete", BBC, 2005.
40. ^ Rahman, S (2004). "Global Shift: Bangladesh Garment Industry in Perspective". Asian Affairs 26 (1): 75–91.
41. ^ Begum, N (2001). "Enforcement of Safety Regulations in Garment sector in Bangladesh", Proc. Growth of Garment Industry in Bangladesh: Economic and Social dimension, 208–226.
42. ^ "South Korea, Another `BRIC' in Global Wall", 2005-12-09.
43. ^ Annual Report 2004–2005, Bangladesh Bank
44. ^ Schreiner, Mark (2003). "A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of the Grameen Bank of Bangladesh". Development Policy Review 21 (3): 357–382.
45. ^ World Health Report 2005. World Health Organization.
46. ^ Rashiduzzaman, M (1998). "Bangladesh's Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord: Institutional Features and Strategic Concerns". Asian Survey 38 (7): 653–670.
47. ^ Gazi, R; ZH Chowdhury, SMN Alam, E Chowdhury, F Ahmed, S Begum (2001). Trafficking of Women and Children in Bangladesh, Special Publication No. 11. ICDDR,B.
48. ^ AI Index: ASA 16/005/2004, Amnesty International
49. ^ "report covering the issue", BBC News.
50. ^ a b S. M. Mehdi Hasan, Condition of English in Bangladesh: Second Language or Foreign Language. Retrieved 17 July 2007.
51. ^ Bangladesh- CIA World Factbook
52. ^ Congressional Budget Justification - FY 2005. USAID.
53. ^ Nickson, R; J McArthur, W Burgess, KM Ahmed, P Ravenscroft, M Rahman (1998). "Arsenic poisoning of Bangladesh groundwater". Nature (6700): 338.
54. ^ 2005 Human Development Report. UNDP.
55. ^ UNICEF: Bangladesh Statistics.
56. ^ Ahmed, A; C del Nino (2002). The food for education program in Bangladesh: An evaluation of its impact on educational attainment and food security, FCND DP No. 138. International Food Policy Research Institute.
57. ^ Khandker, S; M Pitt, N Fuwa (2003). Subsidy to Promote Girls’ Secondary Education: the Female Stipend Program in Bangladesh. World Bank, Washington, DC.
58. ^ Feature film in Banglapedia
59. ^ Newspapers and periodicals in Banglapedia
[edit] External links
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Official
* Bangladesh Government Official Web Page. Retrieved on March 9, 2006.
* Election Commission Secretariat. Retrieved on March 9, 2006.
* Official parliamentary site. Retrieved on March 9, 2006.
* Electronic forms from the Government of Bangladesh. Retrieved on March 9, 2006.
* National Board of Revenue. Retrieved on March 9, 2006.
* Bangladesh Telephone and Telegraph Board (BTTB/T&T). Retrieved on March 9, 2006.
* Bangladesh Government Digitized Form. Retrieved on August 18, 2006.
Others
* Banglapedia - National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh. Retrieved on March 9, 2006.
* United Nations in Bangladesh. Retrieved on March 9, 2006.
* Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association. Retrieved on March 9, 2006.
* Background Note: Bangladesh, U.S. Department of State (Aug. 2005). Retrieved on March 9, 2006.
* Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Retrieved on March 9, 2006.
* Various policies of Bangladesh. Retrieved on March 9, 2006.
* Genocide in Bangladesh, 1971. Retrieved on March 9, 2006.
* CIA World Factbook entry on Bangladesh
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Bangladesh
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গণপ্রজাতন্ত্রী বাংলাদেশ
Gônoprojatontri Bangladesh
People's Republic of Bangladesh
Flag of Bangladesh Coat of arms of Bangladesh
Flag Coat of arms
Motto
None
Anthem
Amar Shonar Bangla
My Golden Bengal
Location of Bangladesh
Capital
(and largest city) Dhaka
[show location on an interactive map] 23°42′N, 90°22′E
Official languages Bengali (Bangla)
Government Parliamentary republic
- President Iajuddin Ahmed
- Prime Minister vacant
- Chief Adviser (Interim Caretaker Government)
Fakhruddin Ahmed
Independence from Pakistan
- Declared March 26, 1971
- Victory Day December 16 1971
Area
- Total 144,000 km² (94th)
55,599 sq mi
- Water (%) 7.0
Population
- 2007 estimate 150,448,340[1] (7th)
- 2001 census 129,247,2331
- Density 1045 /km² (11th)
2706 /sq mi
GDP (PPP) 2006 estimate
- Total $330.8 billion (31st)
- Per capita $2200 (138st)
Gini? (2000) 31.8 (medium)
FSI (2007) 95.9 0.4 (Alert) (16th)
HDI (2004) 0.530 (medium) (137th)
Currency Taka (BDT)
Time zone BDT (UTC+6)
- Summer (DST) not observed (UTC+6)
Internet TLD .bd
Calling code +880
1 Adjusted population, p.4, Population Census 2001, Preliminary Report. Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (2001-08).
This article refers to the People's Republic of Bangladesh. For other uses of "Bangladesh", see Bangladesh (disambiguation)
The People's Republic of Bangladesh is a country in South Asia. It is surrounded by India on all sides except for a small border with Myanmar to the far southeast and the Bay of Bengal, part of the Indian Ocean, to the south. Together with the Indian state of West Bengal, it makes up the ethno-linguistic region of Bengal. The name Bangladesh means "Country of Bengal" and is written as বাংলাদেশ and pronounced ['baŋlad̪eʃ] (help·info) in the official Bengali language.
Bangladesh is a product of the partitioning of British India starting with the 1947 partition which made it the eastern wing of Pakistan. This pairing based on common religion (Islam) proved geographically awkward, as a distance of some 1,600 kilometres (1,000 mi) separated the two regions. Subject to political and linguistic domination as well as economic neglect, Bengalis gained their independence in 1971 under the leadership of great leader Bangubandhu Sheik Mujibur Rahamn, in a civil war with help from India at the end of the war. In spite of its liberation narrative, Bangladesh's development has since been marred by political turmoil, with fourteen different heads of government and at least four military coups.
Bangladesh is among the most highly (ranked 7th) and densely (2nd among major countries) populated countries in the world. The population is generally poor, rural and Muslim. Geographically the country straddles the fertile Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta and is subject to annual monsoon floods and cyclones. The government is a secular parliamentary democracy which has been suspended under emergency law since January 2007. Bangladesh is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, SAARC, BIMSTEC, the OIC and the D-8.
Contents
[hide]
* 1 History
* 2 Government and politics
* 3 Foreign policy and military
* 4 Divisions, districts, and upazilas
* 5 Geography and climate
* 6 Economy
* 7 Demographics
* 8 Culture
* 9 See also
* 10 References
* 11 External links
[edit] History
The Shaheed Minar, which commemorates the Language Movement, is a well known landmark in Bangladesh.
The Shaheed Minar, which commemorates the Language Movement, is a well known landmark in Bangladesh.
Main article: History of Bangladesh
See also: History of Bengal
Remnants of civilization in the greater Bengal region date back four thousand years,[2][3] when the region was settled by Dravidian, Tibeto-Burman, and Austro-Asiatic peoples. The exact origin of the word "Bangla" or "Bengal" is unknown, though it is believed to be derived from Bang, the Dravidian-speaking tribe that settled in the area around the year 1000 BCE.[4]
After the arrival of Indo-Aryans, the kingdom of Gangaridai was formed from at least the seventh century BCE, which later united with Bihar under the Magadha and Maurya Empires. Bengal was later part of the Gupta Empire from the third to the sixth centuries CE. Following its collapse, a dynamic Bengali named Shashanka founded an impressive yet short-lived kingdom. After a period of anarchy, the Buddhist Pala dynasty ruled the region for four hundred years, followed by a shorter reign of the Hindu Sena dynasty. Islam was introduced to Bengal in the twelfth century by Sufi missionaries, and subsequent Muslim conquests helped spread Islam throughout the region.[5] Bakhtiar Khilji, a Turkish general, defeated Lakshman Sen of the Sena dynasty and conquered large parts of Bengal. The region was ruled by dynasties of Sultans and feudal lords for the next few hundred years. By the sixteenth century, the Mughal Empire controlled Bengal, and Dhaka became an important provincial center of Mughal administration.
European traders arrived late in the fifteenth century, and their influence grew until the British East India Company gained control of Bengal following the Battle of Plassey in 1757.[6] The bloody rebellion of 1857, known as the Sepoy Mutiny, resulted in transfer of authority to the crown, with a British viceroy running the administration.[7] During colonial rule, famine racked the Indian subcontinent many times, including the Great Bengal famine of 1943 that claimed 3 million lives.[8]
Between 1905 and 1911, an abortive attempt was made to divide the province of Bengal into two zones, with Dhaka being the capital of the eastern zone.[9] When India was partitioned in 1947, Bengal was partitioned along religious lines, with the western part going to India and the eastern part joining Pakistan as a province called East Bengal (later renamed East Pakistan), with its capital at Dhaka.[10]
In 1950, land reform was accomplished in East Bengal with the abolishment of the feudal zamindari system[11] However, despite the economic and demographic weight of the east, Pakistan's government and military were largely dominated by the upper classes from the west. The Bengali Language Movement of 1952 was the first sign of friction between the two wings of Pakistan.[12] Dissatisfaction with the central government over economic and cultural issues continued to rise through the next decade, during which the Awami League emerged as the political voice of the Bengali-speaking population. It agitated for autonomy in the 1960s, and in 1966, its president Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was jailed; he was released in 1969 after an unprecedented popular uprising.
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, founder of Bangladesh.
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, founder of Bangladesh.
In 1970, a massive cyclone devastated the coast of East Pakistan, and the central government responded poorly. The Bengali population's anger was compounded when Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, whose Awami League won a majority in Parliament in the 1970 elections,[13] was blocked from taking office. After staging compromise talks with Mujib, President Yahya Khan arrested him on the night of March 25, 1971, and launched Operation Searchlight,[14] a sustained military assault on East Pakistan. Yahya's methods were extremely bloody, and the violence of the war resulted in many civilian deaths.[15] Chief targets included intellectuals and Hindus, and about ten million refugees fled to neighbouring India (LaPorte,[16] p. 103). Estimates of those massacred range from three hundred thousand to 3 million.[17][18]
Most of the Awami League leaders fled and set up a government-in-exile in Calcutta, India. The Bangladesh Liberation War lasted for nine months. The guerrilla Mukti Bahini and Bengali regulars eventually received support from the Indian Armed Forces in December 1971. Under the command of Lt. General J.S. Arora, the Indian Army achieved a decisive victory over Pakistan on 16 December,1971, taking over 90,000 prisoners of war[19] in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.
After its independence, Bangladesh became a parliamentary democracy, with Mujib as the Prime Minister. In the 1973 parliamentary elections, the Awami League gained an absolute majority. A nationwide famine occurred during 1973 and 1974,[8] and in early 1975, Mujib initiated a one-party socialist rule with his newly formed BAKSAL. On August 15, 1975, Mujib and his family were assassinated by mid-level military officers.[20]
A series of bloody coups and counter-coups in the following three months culminated in the ascent to power of General Ziaur Rahman, who reinstated multi-party politics and founded the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Zia's rule ended when he was assassinated in 1981 by elements of the military.[20] Bangladesh's next major ruler was General Hossain Mohammad Ershad, who gained power in a bloodless coup in 1982 and ruled until 1990, when he was forced to resign under western donor pressure in a major shift in international policy after the end of communism when anti-communist dictators were no longer felt necessary. Since then, Bangladesh has reverted to a parliamentary democracy. Zia's widow, Khaleda Zia, led the Bangladesh Nationalist Party to parliamentary victory at the general election in 1991 and became the first female Prime Minister in Bangladesh's history. However, the Awami League, headed by Sheikh Hasina, one of Mujib's surviving daughters, clinched power at the next election in 1996 but lost to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party again in 2001. Bangladesh enjoys the distinction of having two female politicians leading national politics.
In January of 2007, following widespread violence, a caretaker government was appointed to administer the next general election. The country had suffered from extensive corruption,[21] disorder and political violence. The new caretaker government has made it a priority to root out corruption from all levels of government. To this end, many notable politicians and officials, along with large numbers of lesser officials and party members, have been arrested on corruption charges. The caretaker government claims to be paving the way for free and fair elections to be held before the end of 2008.
[edit] Government and politics
Main article: Politics of Bangladesh
National symbols of Bangladesh Anthem Amar Shonar Bangla
Animal Bengal Tiger
Bird Oriental Magpie Robin
Fish Hilsa
Flower White Water Lily
Fruit Jackfruit
Sport Kabadi
Calendar Bengali calendar
Jatiyo Sangshad Bhaban houses the Parliament of Bangladesh.
Jatiyo Sangshad Bhaban houses the Parliament of Bangladesh.
Bangladesh is a secular parliamentary democracy. Direct elections involving all citizens over the age 18 are held every five years for the unicameral parliament. The parliament is known as the Jatiyo Sangshad designed by architect Louis Kahn and currently has 300 seats, elected from single-member constituencies. The Prime Minister, as the head of government, forms the cabinet and runs the day-to-day affairs of state. While the Prime Minister is formally appointed by the President, he or she must be an MP who commands the confidence of the majority of parliament. The President is the head of state, a largely ceremonial post elected by the parliament.[22]
However the President's powers are substantially expanded during the tenure of a caretaker government, which is responsible for the conduct of elections and transfer of power. The officers of the caretaker government must be non-partisan and are given three months to complete their task. This transitional arrangement is an innovation that was pioneered by Bangladesh in its 1991 election and then institutionalized in 1996 through its 13th constitutional amendment.[23]
The Constitution of Bangladesh was written in 1972 and has undergone fourteen amendments.[23] The highest judiciary body is the Supreme Court, whose members are appointed by the President. The judicial and law enforcement institutions are weak.[24] Laws are loosely based on English common law, but family laws such as marriage and inheritance are based on religious scripts, and hence differ from one religious community to another.
The two major parties in Bangladesh are the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Bangladesh Awami League. BNP is lead by Khaleda Zia and finds its allies among Islamist parties like Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh and Islami Oikya Jot, while Sheikh Hasina's Awami League aligns with leftist and secularist parties. Hasina and Zia are bitter rivals who have dominated politics for 15 years; both are women and each is related to one of the leaders of the independence movement. Another important player is the Jatiya Party, headed by former military ruler Ershad. The Awami League-BNP rivalry has been bitter and punctuated by protests, violence and murder. Student politics is particularly strong in Bangladesh, a legacy from the liberation movement era. Almost all parties have highly active student wings, and students have been elected to the Parliament.
Two radical Islamist parties, Jagrata Muslim Janata Bangladesh (JMJB) and Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), were banned in February 2005. Bomb attacks taking place since 1999 have been blamed on those groups, and hundreds of suspected members have been detained in numerous security operations, including the head of those two parties in 2006. The first recorded case of a suicide bomb attack in Bangladesh took place in November 2005.
The 2006 election was postponed indefinitely and emergency law declared in January 2007 as the caretaker government of Fakhruddin Ahmed aims to revise the voter list and crack down on corruption. The government aims to hold new elections by 2008 but lack of coordination between Election Commission and the Government, and their recent activities have created uncertainty about Election while the two leading candidates, Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina, are facing criminal charges in court and the banned indoor politics is yet to be exercised.
[edit] Foreign policy and military
Main articles: Foreign Relations of Bangladesh and Military of Bangladesh
Bangladesh pursues a moderate foreign policy that places heavy reliance on multinational diplomacy, especially at the United Nations. In 1974 Bangladesh joined both the Commonwealth of Nations and the United Nations and has since been elected to serve two terms on the Security Council in 1978-1979 and 2000–2001. In the 1980s, Bangladesh played a lead role in founding the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) in order to expand relations with other South Asian states. Since the founding of SAARC 1985, a Bangladeshi has held the post of Secretary General on two occasions.
Bangladesh's most important and complex foreign relationships are with India and Pakistan. These relationships are informed by historical and cultural ties and form an important part of the domestic political discourse.
Bangladesh's relationship with India began on a positive note because of India's assistance in the independence war and reconstruction. Throughout the years, relations between both countries have fluctuated for a number of reasons. Bangladesh claims that India feels too comfortable in playing the role of "Big Brother" to smaller, weaker nations.[citation needed] India has voiced concerns about Indian separatists and Islamic terrorists being harbored across their 2,500 mile (4,000 km) border, as well as the flow of illegal migrants, and is building a fence along most of it.[25] But at the 2007 SAARC meeting both nations pledged to work cooperatively on security, economic and border issues.[26]
The current strength of the army is around 200,000, the air force 7,000, and navy 14,950.[27] In addition to traditional defense roles, the military has been called on to provide support to civil authorities for disaster relief and internal security during periods of political unrest. Bangladesh is not currently active in any ongoing war, but it did contribute 2,300 troops to the coalition that fought in the 1991 Gulf War and Bangladesh is consistently a top contributor to UN peacekeeping forces around the world. As of May 2007, Bangladesh had major deployments in Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Sudan, Timor-Leste and Cote d'Ivoire.[28]
Bangladesh enjoys relatively warm ties with the People's Republic of China which has, particularly in the past decade, increased economic cooperation with the South Asian nation. Between 2006-07, trade between the two nations rose by 28.5% and there have been agreements to grant various Bangladeshi commodities tarrif-free access to the Chinese market. Military cooperation between the Military of Bangladesh and the People's Liberation Army is also increasing, with joint military agreements signed and Bangladesh procuring Chinese arms which range from small arms to large naval surface combatants such as the Chinese Jiangwei Class Missile Frigate.
[edit] Divisions, districts, and upazilas
Administrative divisions of Bangladesh. This map shows the highest level unit called a Division.
Administrative divisions of Bangladesh. This map shows the highest level unit called a Division.
Dhaka
Dhaka
Chittagong
Chittagong
Main articles: Divisions of Bangladesh, Districts of Bangladesh, and Upazilas of Bangladesh
Bangladesh is divided into six administrative divisions,[1] each named after their respective divisional headquarters: Barisal (বরিশাল), Chittagong (চট্টগ্রাম), Dhaka (ঢাকা), Khulna (খুলনা), Rajshahi (রাজশাহী), and Sylhet (সিলেট).
Divisions are subdivided into districts (zila). There are 64 districts in Bangladesh, each further subdivided into upazila (subdistricts) or thana ("police stations"). The area within each police station, except for those in metropolitan areas, is divided into several unions, with each union consisting of multiple villages. In the metropolitan areas, police stations are divided into wards, which are further divided into mahallas. There are no elected officials at the divisional, district or upazila levels, and the administration is composed only of government officials. Direct elections are held for each union (or ward), electing a chairperson and a number of members. In 1997, a parliamentary act was passed to reserve three seats (out of twelve) in every union for female candidates.[29]
Dhaka is the capital and largest city of Bangladesh. Other major cities include Chittagong, Khulna, Rajshahi, Barisal and Sylhet. These metropolitan cities have mayoral elections, while other municipalities elect a chairperson. Mayors and chairpersons are elected for a span of five years.
City ↓ City population[30] ↓ Metro population[30] ↓
Dhaka 6,969,458 11,918,442
Chittagong 3,920,222 3,920,222
Khulna 1,400,689 1,400,689
Rajshahi 727,083 727,083
Sylhet 339,368 339,368
Barisal 291,769 291,769
Other areas:
City ↓ Administrative division ↓ Population[30] ↓
Naogaon Rajshahi 150,000(approx.)
Comilla Chittagong 419,623
Tungi Dhaka 368,914
Gopalganj Dhaka 100,000(approx.)
Tungipara Dhaka 50,000(approx.)
Mymensingh Dhaka 336,960
Rangpur Rajshahi 295,999
Narshingdi Dhaka 292,838
Bogra Rajshahi 284,003
Jessore Khulna 250,065
[edit] Geography and climate
Satellite image presenting physical features of Bangladesh.
Satellite image presenting physical features of Bangladesh.
Main article: Geography of Bangladesh
Bangladesh is located in the low-lying Ganges-Brahmaputra River Delta or Ganges Delta. This delta is formed by the confluence of the Ganges (local name Padma or Pôdda), Brahmaputra (Jamuna or Jomuna), and Meghna rivers and their respective tributaries. The Ganges unites with the Jamuna (main channel of the Brahmaputra) and later joins the Meghna to eventually empty into the Bay of Bengal. The alluvial soil deposited by these rivers has created some of the most fertile plains in the world. Bangladesh has 58 trans-boundary rivers, making water issues politically complicated to resolve - in most cases as the lower riparian state to India.[31]
* Geological Location of Bangladesh [32] (file info) — [Play media] Watch in browser
o Satellite photographs (from Terra-MODIS) and computer-generated models help visualize Bangladesh's place in the world. Located in South Asia, it is virtually surrounded by India and the Bay of Bengal to the south. But in many ways, the country's fate is dominated by the world's highest mountain range looming to the north-the Himalayas.
* Problems seeing the videos? See media help.
Most parts of Bangladesh are less than 12 metres (39 ft) above the sea level, and it is believed that about 10% of the land would be flooded if the sea level were to rise by 1 metre (3 ft).[33]
The highest point in Bangladesh is in Mowdok range at 1,052 metres (3,451 ft) in the Chittagong Hill Tracts to the southeast of the country.[34] A major part of the coastline comprises a marshy jungle, the Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world and home to diverse flora and fauna, including the Royal Bengal Tiger. In 1997, this region was declared endangered.[35]
Straddling the Tropic of Cancer, Bangladeshi climate is tropical with a mild winter from October to March, a hot, humid summer from March to June. A warm and humid monsoon season lasts from June to October and supplies most of the country's rainfall. Natural calamities, such as floods, tropical cyclones, tornadoes, and tidal bores occur almost every year, combined with the effects of deforestation, soil degradation and erosion. Cox's Bazar, south of the city of Chittagong, has a beach that stretches uninterrupted over 120 kilometres (75 mi).
In September 1998 Bangladesh saw the most severe flooding the modern world has seen. Although only 1,000 people were killed, 30 million were made homeless and 130,000 cattle were killed, 50 square kilometres of land were destroyed and 11,000 km of roads were damaged of destroyed. 66% of the country was underwater. There were several reasons for the severity of the flooding. Firstly, there were unusually high monsoon rains. Secondly, the Himalayas shed off an equally unusually high amount of melt water that year. Lastly, trees that usually intercept rain water were cut down for fire wood or to make space for animals.[citation needed]
[edit] Economy
Main article: Economy of Bangladesh
Fishermen near the town of Cox's Bazaar in southern Bangladesh. Many industries in Bangladesh are still primitive by modern standards.
Fishermen near the town of Cox's Bazaar in southern Bangladesh. Many industries in Bangladesh are still primitive by modern standards.
Despite sustained domestic and international efforts to improve economic and demographic prospects, Bangladesh remains a developing nation, in part due to its large population.[36] Its per capita income in 2006 was US$2300 compared to the world average of $10,200.[1] Yet, as the World Bank notes in its July 2005 Country Brief, the country has made significant progress in human development in the areas of literacy, gender parity in schooling, and reduction of population growth.[37]
Jute was once the economic engine of the country. Its share of the world export market peaked in the Second World War and the late 1940s at 80%[38] and even in the early 1970s accounted for 70% of its export earnings. However, polypropylene products began to substitute for jute products worldwide and the jute industry started to decline. Bangladesh grows significant quantities of rice, tea and mustard. Although two-thirds of Bangladeshis are farmers, more than three quarters of Bangladesh’s export earnings come from the garment industry,[39] which began attracting foreign investors in the 1980s due to cheap labour and low conversion cost. In 2002, the industry exported US$5 billion worth of products.[40] The industry now employs more than 3 million workers, 90% of whom are women.[41] A large part of foreign currency earnings also comes from the remittances sent by expatriates living in other countries.
Worker in a paddy field - a common scene throughout Bangladesh. The economy of Bangladesh is often cited to be agro-based because of its dependency on agriculture.
Worker in a paddy field - a common scene throughout Bangladesh. The economy of Bangladesh is often cited to be agro-based because of its dependency on agriculture.
Obstacles to growth include frequent cyclones and floods, inefficient state-owned enterprises, mismanaged port facilities, a growth in the labour force that has outpaced jobs, inefficient use of energy resources (such as natural gas), insufficient power supplies, slow implementation of economic reforms, political infighting and corruption. According to the World Bank, "among Bangladesh’s most significant obstacles to growth are poor governance and weak public institutions."[37]
Despite these hurdles, the country has achieved an average annual growth rate of 5% since 1990, according to the World Bank. Bangladesh has seen expansion of its middle class, and its consumer industry has also grown. In December 2005, four years after its report on the emerging "BRIC" economies (Brazil, Russia, India, and China), Goldman Sachs named Bangladesh one of the "Next Eleven,"[42] along with Egypt, Indonesia, Pakistan and seven other countries. Bangladesh has seen a dramatic increase in foreign direct investment. A number of multinational corporations, including Unocal Corporation and Tata, have made major investments, with the natural gas sector being a priority. In December 2005, the Central Bank of Bangladesh projected GDP growth around 6.5%.[43]
One significant contributor to the development of the economy has been the widespread propagation of microcredit by Muhammad Yunus (awarded the Nobel peace prize in 2006) through the Grameen Bank. By the late 1990s, Grameen Bank had 2.3 million members, along with 2.5 million members of other similar organizations.[44]
In order to enhance economic growth, the government set up several export processing zones to attract foreign investment. These are managed by the Bangladesh Export Processing Zone Authority.
See also: Education in Bangladesh
[edit] Demographics
Main article: Demographics of Bangladesh
Recent (2005-2007) estimates of Bangladesh's population range from 142 to 159 million, making it the 7th most populous nation in the world. With a land area of 144,000 square kilometers (55,600 sq mi (144,000 km²), ranked 94th), the population density is remarkable. A striking comparison is offered by the fact that Russia's population is slightly smaller. Indeed Bangladesh boasts the highest population density in the world, excluding a handful of city-states. Bangladesh's population growth was among the highest in the world in the 1960s and 1970s, when the count grew from 50 to 90 million, but with the promotion of birth control in the 1980s, the growth rate slowed. The total fertility rate is now 3.1 children per woman, compared with 6.2 three decades ago. The population is relatively young, with the 0–25 age group comprising 60%, while 3% are 65 or older. Life expectancy is 63 years for both males and females.[45]
Bangladesh is ethnically homogeneous, with Bengalis comprising 98% of the population. The remainder are mostly Bihari migrants and indigenous tribal groups. There are thirteen tribal groups located in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, the most populous of the tribes are the Chakmas. The region has been a source for ethnic tension since the inception of Bangladesh.[46] The largest tribal groups outside the Hill Tracts are the Santhals and the Garos (Achiks). Human trafficking has been a lingering problem in Bangladesh[47] and illegal immigration has remained a cause of friction with Myanmar[48] and India.[49].
The main language, as in West Bengal, is Bangla (Bengali), an Indo-Aryan language of Sanskrit origin and has its own script. Bangla is the official language of Bangladesh. English is used as second language among the middle and upper classes[50] and in higher education. Since a President Order in 1987, Bangla is used for all official correspondence except those that are to foreign recipients.[50]
The two major religions practiced in Bangladesh are Islam (83%) and Hinduism (16%).[51] About 96% of the Muslims are Sunni while over 3% are Shi'a. Ethnic Biharis are predominantly Shia Muslims. Other religious groups include Buddhists, Ahmadis, Christians, and Animists. Bangladesh ranks fourth after Indonesia and Pakistan among Muslim majority nations and, as India has a higher Muslim population, Bangladesh ranks fourth in this category.
Health and education levels have recently improved as poverty levels have decreased. Nevertheless, Bangladesh remains among the poorest nations in the world. Most Bangladeshis are rural, living on subsistence farming. Nearly half of the population lives on less than 1 USD per day.[52] Health problems abound, ranging from surface water contamination, to arsenic in the groundwater,[53] and diseases including malaria, leptospirosis and dengue. The literacy rate in Bangladesh is approximately 41%.[54] There is gender disparity, though, as literacy rates are 50% among men and 31% among women, according to a 2004 UNICEF estimate.[55] Literacy has gone up due to many programs introduced in the country. Among the most successful ones are the Food for education (FFE) program introduced in 1993,[56] and a stipend program for women at the primary and secondary levels.[57]
[edit] Culture
Intricate design in a Nakshikatha, a traditional stitched quilt.
Intricate design in a Nakshikatha, a traditional stitched quilt.
Bagerhat Shat Gambuj Masjid, a sixty-dome mosque, built in the early 15th century by Khan Jahan Ali.
Bagerhat Shat Gambuj Masjid, a sixty-dome mosque, built in the early 15th century by Khan Jahan Ali.
Ruins of the ancient Buddhist monastery in Mahasthangarh, Bogra.
Ruins of the ancient Buddhist monastery in Mahasthangarh, Bogra.
Main article: Culture of Bangladesh
See also: Public holidays in Bangladesh
A new state for an old nation, Bangladesh has a culture that encompasses elements both old and new. The Bengali language boasts a rich literary heritage, which Bangladesh shares with the Indian state of West Bengal. The earliest literary text in Bangla is the eighth century Charyapada. Bangla literature in the medieval age was often either religious (e.g. Chandidas), or adaptations from other languages (e.g. Alaol). Bangla literature matured in the nineteenth century. Its greatest icons are the poets Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam. Bangladesh also has a long tradition in folk literature, evidenced by Maimansingha Gitika, Thakurmar Jhuli or stories related to Gopal Bhar.
The musical tradition of Bangladesh is lyrics-based (Baniprodhan), with minimal instrumental accompaniment. The Baul tradition is a unique heritage of Bangla folk music, and there are numerous other musical traditions in Bangladesh, which vary from one region to the other. Gombhira, Bhatiali, Bhawaiya are a few of the better-known musical forms. Folk music of Bengal is often accompanied by the ektara, an instrument with only one string. Other instruments include the dotara, dhol, flute, and tabla. Bangladesh also has an active heritage in North Indian classical music. Similarly, Bangladeshi dance forms draw from folk traditions, especially those of the tribal groups, as well as the broader Indian dance tradition. Bangladesh produces about 80 films a year.[58] Mainstream Hindi films are also quite popular, as are films from Kolkata, which has its own thriving Bengali-language movie industry. Around 200 dailies are published in Bangladesh, along with more than 1800 periodicals. However, regular readership is low, nearly about 15% of the population.[59] Bangladeshis listen to a variety of local and national radio programmes from Bangladesh Betar, as well as Bangla services from the BBC and Voice of America. There is a state-controlled television channel, but in the last few years, privately owned channels have grown considerably.
The culinary tradition of Bangladesh has close relations to Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine as well as having many unique traits. Rice and fish are traditional favourites; leading to a common saying that "fish and rice make a Bengali" (machhe bhate bangali). Bangladeshis make distinctive sweetmeats from milk products; some common ones are Rôshogolla, Chômchôm and Kalojam.
The sari (shaŗi) is by far the most widely worn dress by Bangladeshi women. However, the salwar kameez (shaloar kamiz) is also quite popular, and in urban areas some women wear Western attire. Among men, European dressing has greater acceptance. Men also use the kurta-paejama combination, often on religious occasions. The lungi, a kind of long skirt, is widely worn by Bangladesh men.
The two Eids, Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha are the largest festivals in the Islamic calendar. The day before Eid ul-Fitr is called Chãd Rat (the night of the Moon), and is often marked by firecrackers. Other Muslim holidays are also observed. Major Hindu festivals are Durga Puja and Saraswati Puja. Buddha Purnima, which marks the birth of Gautama Buddha, is one of the most important Buddhist festivals while Christmas, called Bôŗodin (Great day) in Bangla is celebrated by the minority Christian population. The most important secular festival is Pohela Baishakh or Bengali New Year, the beginning of the Bengali calendar. Other festivities include Nobanno, Poush parbon (festival of Poush) and observance of national days like Shohid Dibosh.
Cricket is one of the most popular sports in Bangladesh. In 2000, the Bangladesh cricket team was granted Test cricket status and joined the elite league of national teams permitted by the International Cricket Council to play test matches. Other popular sports include football (soccer), field hockey, tennis, badminton, handball, volleyball, chess, carom, and kabadi, a seven-a-side team-sport played without a ball or any other equipment, which is the national sport of Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Sports Control Board regulates twenty-nine different sporting federations.
[edit] See also
Topics related to Bangladesh
History
Rulers of Bengal, Magadha, Brihadratha dynasty, Pradyota dynasty, Shishunaga dynasty, Nanda Dynasty, Maurya Dynasty, Sunga Dynasty, Kanva dynasty, Gupta Dynasty, Kamboja Dynasty, Pala Dynasty, Sena Dynasty, Islamic empires in India, Delhi Sultanate, Khilji dynasty, Mughal Empire, History of Bengal, Battle of Plassey, Black Hole of Calcutta, Bengal Renaissance, Partition of Bengal, East Bengal, Indian Independence movement, Muslim League, Lahore Resolution, Direct Action Day, Partition of India, East Pakistan, Language Movement, Six point movement, Bangladesh Liberation War, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Ziaur Rahman, 1970 Cyclone, 1991 Cyclone.
Politics
Government, Constitution, Elections, Foreign Relations, Political parties, Awami League, Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Drishtipat, Rapid Action Battalion, Human rights, National Parliament , Supreme Court, Foreign Relations, President, Prime Minister, Military of Bangladesh: (Army | Navy | Air Force | Bangladesh Rifles | Infantry Regiment), Subdivisions, Districts,.
Geography
Sundarbans, Cox's Bazar , Bay of Bengal, Ganges Delta, Ganges Fan, Ganga basin, Chittagong Hill Tracts, Jat Area, Bangladesh Rivers, Bangladesh Cities, Bangladesh National Parks, Bangladesh Mountains Islands, Lakes.
Economy
Bangladeshi taka, Dhaka Stock Exchange, Chittagong Stock Exchange, Bangladesh Bank, Asia Energy PLC, Bangladesh Companies, Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development, Communications, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Port of Chittagong, Transport.
Culture
Bengali language, Literature, Cuisine, Music, Sports, Architecture, Theatre, wedding, Holidays, Bangla calendar, Pohela Baishakh, Baul, TV and radio Channels, Bangladeshi cricket team, Bangladesh national football team, Bangladeshi kabaddi team, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, List of Bangladeshis.
Symbols
Flag, Coat of arms, Nymphaeaceae, Hilsa, Amar Shonar Bangla, Jatiyo Smriti Soudho, Jatiyo Sangshad Bhaban, Shaheed Minar, Baitul Mukarram, Dhakeshwari Temple, Jamuna Bridge.
Categories Archaeological sites, Cities, Communications, Culture, Economy, Education, Geography, Government, History, Media , Military, People, Politics, Religion, Science and technology, Society, Sports, Subdivisions, Towns, Transport, Bangladesh stubs
Bangladesh Flag International ties of Bangladesh Bangladesh Flag
Geographical and geopolitical: Asia | South Asia | Indies
Historical and cultural: Commonwealth of Nations
International organisations: United Nations | SAARC | World Trade Organization | OIC | Non-Aligned Movement
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Bangladesh Portal
[edit] References
1. ^ a b c CIA World Factbook 2007
2. ^ Bharadwaj, G (2003). "The Ancient Period", in Majumdar, RC: History of Bengal. B.R. Publishing Corp.
3. ^ "4000-year old settlement unearthed in Bangladesh", Xinhua, 2006-March.
4. ^ (1989) "Early History, 1000 B.C.-A.D. 1202", in James Heitzman and Robert L. Worden: Bangladesh: A country study. Library of Congress.
5. ^ Eaton, R (1996). The Rise of Islam and the Bengal Frontier. University of California Press. ISBN 0-520-20507-3.
6. ^ Baxter, C (1997). Bangladesh, From a Nation to a State. Westview Press. ISBN 0-8133-3632-5.
7. ^ Baxter, pp.30—32
8. ^ a b Sen, Amartya (1973). Poverty and Famines. Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-828463-2.
9. ^ Baxter, pp. 39—40
10. ^ Collins, L; D Lapierre (1986). Freedom at Midnight, Ed. 18. Vikas Publishers, New Delhi. ISBN 0-7069-2770-2.
11. ^ Baxter, p. 72
12. ^ Baxter, pp. 62—63
13. ^ Baxter, pp. 78—79
14. ^ Salik, Siddiq (1978). Witness to Surrender. Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-577264-4.
15. ^ Genocide in Bangladesh, 1971. Gendercide Watch.
16. ^ LaPorte, R (1972). "Pakistan in 1971: The Disintegration of a Nation". Asian Survey 12(2): 97–108.
17. ^ White, M (November 2005). Death Tolls for the Major Wars and Atrocities of the Twentieth Century.
18. ^ The Bangladeshi holocaust. VirtualBangladesh.com. On 26th March Major Ziaur Rahman revolted against the Pakistan Army. He along with his force took control of the Kalurghat Radio Station and declared indepence on behalf of Sheikh Mujibor Rahman
19. ^ Burke, S (1973). "The Postwar Diplomacy of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971". Asian Survey 13 (11): 1036–1049.
20. ^ a b Mascarenhas, A (1986). Bangladesh: A Legacy of Blood. Hodder & Stoughton, London. ISBN 0-340-39420-X.
21. ^ Bangladesh tops most corrupt list. BBC News (2005-10-18). Retrieved on 2007-04-13.
22. ^ Background Note: Bangladesh, US Department of State, May 2007
23. ^ a b "Constitutional Amendments". Banglapedia. Asiatic Society of Bangladesh. Retrieved on 2006-07-14.
24. ^ Bangladesh Today, Asia Report N°121, International Crisis Group, 23 October 2006
25. ^ India quietly ringing Bangladesh with barbed-wire, cutting off former neighbors, by Tim Sullivan, Associated Press, June 25, 2007
26. ^ Pattanaik, Smruti S., "India-Bangladesh Relations after the Foreign Secretary Level Talks," IDSA (Institute for Defense Studies and Analyses), 17 July 2007. Retrieved 17 July 2007.
27. ^ Including service and civilian personnel. See Bangladesh Navy. Retrieved 17 July 2007.
28. ^ UN Mission's Summary detailed by Country, Monthly Summary of Contributors of Military and Civilian Police Personnel, Department of Peacekeeping Operations, United Nations, 2007-5-31
29. ^ Local Government Act, No. 20, 1997.
30. ^ a b c Bangladesh: largest cities and towns and statistics of their population. world-gazetteer.com. Retrieved on 2007-05-19.
31. ^ Trans-boundary Rivers. Banglapedia. Retrieved on 2007-07-17.
32. ^ NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, Scientific Visualization Studio (2002-04-18). Himalayas Exaggerated (version 2.2) (MPEG). Retrieved on 2007-04-30.
33. ^ Ali, A (1996). "Vulnerability of Bangladesh to climate change and sea level rise through tropical cyclones and storm surges". Water, Air, & Soil Pollution 92 (1–2): 171–179.
34. ^ Summit Elevations: Frequent Internet Errors. Retrieved 2006-04-13.
35. ^ IUCN (1997). "Sundarban wildlife sanctuaries Bangladesh". World Heritage Nomination-IUCN Technical Evaluation.
36. ^ "Reproductive Health and Rights is Fundamental for Sound Economic Development and Poverty Alleviation," United Nations Population Fund. Retrieved 17 July 2007.
37. ^ a b Bangladesh - Country Brief, World Bank, July 2005
38. ^ "Jute". Banglapedia. Asiatic Society of Bangladesh. Retrieved on 2006-07-14.
39. ^ Roland, B. "Bangladesh Garments Aim to Compete", BBC, 2005.
40. ^ Rahman, S (2004). "Global Shift: Bangladesh Garment Industry in Perspective". Asian Affairs 26 (1): 75–91.
41. ^ Begum, N (2001). "Enforcement of Safety Regulations in Garment sector in Bangladesh", Proc. Growth of Garment Industry in Bangladesh: Economic and Social dimension, 208–226.
42. ^ "South Korea, Another `BRIC' in Global Wall", 2005-12-09.
43. ^ Annual Report 2004–2005, Bangladesh Bank
44. ^ Schreiner, Mark (2003). "A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of the Grameen Bank of Bangladesh". Development Policy Review 21 (3): 357–382.
45. ^ World Health Report 2005. World Health Organization.
46. ^ Rashiduzzaman, M (1998). "Bangladesh's Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord: Institutional Features and Strategic Concerns". Asian Survey 38 (7): 653–670.
47. ^ Gazi, R; ZH Chowdhury, SMN Alam, E Chowdhury, F Ahmed, S Begum (2001). Trafficking of Women and Children in Bangladesh, Special Publication No. 11. ICDDR,B.
48. ^ AI Index: ASA 16/005/2004, Amnesty International
49. ^ "report covering the issue", BBC News.
50. ^ a b S. M. Mehdi Hasan, Condition of English in Bangladesh: Second Language or Foreign Language. Retrieved 17 July 2007.
51. ^ Bangladesh- CIA World Factbook
52. ^ Congressional Budget Justification - FY 2005. USAID.
53. ^ Nickson, R; J McArthur, W Burgess, KM Ahmed, P Ravenscroft, M Rahman (1998). "Arsenic poisoning of Bangladesh groundwater". Nature (6700): 338.
54. ^ 2005 Human Development Report. UNDP.
55. ^ UNICEF: Bangladesh Statistics.
56. ^ Ahmed, A; C del Nino (2002). The food for education program in Bangladesh: An evaluation of its impact on educational attainment and food security, FCND DP No. 138. International Food Policy Research Institute.
57. ^ Khandker, S; M Pitt, N Fuwa (2003). Subsidy to Promote Girls’ Secondary Education: the Female Stipend Program in Bangladesh. World Bank, Washington, DC.
58. ^ Feature film in Banglapedia
59. ^ Newspapers and periodicals in Banglapedia
[edit] External links
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Official
* Bangladesh Government Official Web Page. Retrieved on March 9, 2006.
* Election Commission Secretariat. Retrieved on March 9, 2006.
* Official parliamentary site. Retrieved on March 9, 2006.
* Electronic forms from the Government of Bangladesh. Retrieved on March 9, 2006.
* National Board of Revenue. Retrieved on March 9, 2006.
* Bangladesh Telephone and Telegraph Board (BTTB/T&T). Retrieved on March 9, 2006.
* Bangladesh Government Digitized Form. Retrieved on August 18, 2006.
Others
* Banglapedia - National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh. Retrieved on March 9, 2006.
* United Nations in Bangladesh. Retrieved on March 9, 2006.
* Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association. Retrieved on March 9, 2006.
* Background Note: Bangladesh, U.S. Department of State (Aug. 2005). Retrieved on March 9, 2006.
* Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Retrieved on March 9, 2006.
* Various policies of Bangladesh. Retrieved on March 9, 2006.
* Genocide in Bangladesh, 1971. Retrieved on March 9, 2006.
* CIA World Factbook entry on Bangladesh
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Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangladesh"
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